Exploring Paris: The Père Lachaise Cemetery
When
I was a child, I felt very uncomfortable around cemeteries and I was
afraid that the dead would come and chase me because I disturbed
their sleep. I know, I have probably watched too many films! Today, I
can appreciate better the beauty of these places. I like cemeteries
that are picturesque, full of greenery, and old - I enjoyed visiting
the churchyards of Edinburgh a few months ago, fascinated as I was by
the wonderfully carved tombstones.
The
Père Lachaise is the biggest cemetery of Paris, and you
probably know it because a lot of famous people - composers,
musicians, authors, actors, and so on - were buried there. You can
find them all by looking at a map at the entrance of the cemetery,
because if you try to find them as you go along, you'll probably get
lost as I did when I went there!
The
place is huge, and you just can't see everything in one go - except
if you spend the whole day there I guess. There are many levels and
many small alleys: choose a path and see where it leads you! No
matter which way you go, you'll find old 19th-century tombstones and
more recent ones, stone and marble, flowers, beautiful statues. Some
stones are real works of art! My favourite ones are the mock Greek
temples, because how cool would it be to have a freaking temple as
your resting place?
There
are some guides that ask you if you want a tour of the cemetery, most
of them are not officials hired by the city of Paris but just people
who really know the place and can show you the most famous tombs
along with anecdotes. I haven't done a guided tour so I can't tell
you what it's worth, but I guess it can be interesting and can do no
harm even though the guides are not officially registered.
The
Père Lachaise is not what people come to Paris to see first, but
take half a day of your trip to go there and discover something
different, far from the bustle of the busy areas of the city!
PS: these photos were taken in late August, that is why I was walking around in a sleeveless top and without tights, don't worry I'm not just casually going outside in summer attire under our mid-October weather! :P
I'd love to know if you too like to visit cemeteries, please tell me I'm not the only weirdo who finds it pleasant to wander around these quiet places! :D
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
